The Searchers By John Ford

14 Pages 3497 Words

l motif of the framed doorway and threshold between the two worlds. The internal area in the cabin of the Edwards represents civilized values and the domestic, settled family. The overpowering, sunny outdoor region represents the untamed and menacing land of the western frontier loner which is what Wayne is depicted as. As the scene continues, the black silhouette of a woman moves from the darkness through the door to the bright wilderness outside through which Monument Valley is seen. Moving excitedly to the porch, she notices a man approaching - in the center of the frame (an excellent move by Ford) - who slowly rides in from the desert in a classic entrance - the man is framed between two distant buttes--(his hat later on resembling the shape of one of the buttes--connecting him to the rougness of the region as well) . It also important to note that this opening scene is almost identical to the last one in the film, except that the character in the doorway is different. His face hidden by the low, broad brim of his hat, Ethan dismounts from his horse and wordlessly shakes hands with his brother Aaron. He wears his sun bleached Confederate cloak with his saber hanging at his side. His sister-in-law, Martha greets him first, and when he kisses Martha on the forehead - she closes her eyes during the kiss. It is obvious that they have an unfulfilled mutual love for one another, although it has long been suppressed and only hinted at. The children join in the greeting. Martha swirls around in front of the door and enters backwards, drawing him also into the homesteader's cabin. This is a move to include Ethan in the domesticity. In another “doorway episode” later that night after a family dinner and introduction of his moral counterpart Marty, Ethan is left alone on the porch with only the dog for company and a somber, reflective look on his face. As he turns back to gaze into the door frame of the house in longing, he sees his b...